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mclowe
Reviews
Doppelgänger (1969)
Wow!
I'm a huge space buff, and at nearly 44, I've just discovered this flick for the first time. I came at it in a roundabout way from Space 1999, then UFO. I went hunting for other Anderson creations and found this was their first live-action work. What a home run! I actually heard about this movie many years ago, but never knew what it was called, so I'm happy to have found it by accident.
These Andersons were nothing short of amazing in their writing, the execution of the completely believable and realistic-looking models, the quality of acting, etc.
I don't think it looks dated at all. Let me tell you... I'll take good old models over the fake-looking CGI crap of today ANY TIME! Seriously, most of the rocket scenes looked pretty real. They had it down to a science! If you choose to think of what you are looking at as real, it isn't hard to actually believe it.
Also, the amount of detail in set designs, the beautiful photography, the whole look... man, I wish I could go back to that time! They knew how to make great movies in the 60's. Personally, I've lost all interest in Hollywood movies today. Anybody with a budget can do CGI. I hate it! Bring back the models! Think of all the people that style employed! Anyway, I am ranting. :-) If you like good sci-fi that's very well-done, you will do yourself a service by watching this.
Fist of the North Star (1995)
Bad. <--- note the lack of shouting.
This was so bad... so typical Hollywood low-budget, post-apocalyptic tripe, that I aborted it after about 20 minutes. Nowhere close to as entertaining as the original anime series.
The sets were cheesy. The acting was horrible. The fights were on the verge of comical... comical in the bad way, not the good way as the original was. I mean the fights were downright hilarious in the original anime. But in a GREAT way!
The manga/anime went on for a LONG time. So much of the plot has to be crammed into a short amount of time that much of the detail has to be dropped on the floor never to be seen. That's one of the main issues with ANY live action version of a manga/anime.
As far as character development... forgetaboutit! Again, there is only so much time in a movie. I'm sorry, but to be honest with you, I have simply lost interest in the short Hollywood movie format since having discovered the joy of long-term anime!
There is nothing to recommend this interpretation. Save your time.